My nervous system is enfeebled, only work in oils can sustain me.

We must not be content to memorize the beautiful formulas of our illustrious predecessors. Let us go out and study beautiful nature.

Everything vanishes, falls apart, doesn't it? Nature is always the same but nothing in her that appears to us lasts. Our art must render the thrill of her permanence, along with her elements, the appearance of all her changes. It must give us a taste of her Eternity.

Optics, developing in us through study, teach us to see.

The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution.

I have to keep working, not to arrive at finish, which arouses the admiration of fools... I must seek completion only for the pleasure of being truer and more knowing.

Everything is about to disappear. You've got to hurry up if you still want to see things.